Cambodia Immersion

Walking alongside our students in Cambodia was one of the most powerful and deeply moving experiences I’ve had as an educator. It touched my heart and reminded me why this work matters—connecting with others through faith, learning and compassion.

In Phnom Penh, we stood together in places marked by sorrow and resilience. The Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum taught us about deep injustice and loss. I watched our students move from silence to empathy, learning that remembering is a brave and loving act. These moments invited us to think about peace, dignity and the healing power of truth.

At the Arrupe Centre in Battambang, joy and dignity lived in every corner. Children living with disabilities were welcomed, celebrated and empowered. Bishop Kike’s work reminded us what it means to live our faith—to serve with both hands and a compassionate heart.

Then, at Mother of Peace Primary School, the Ursuline Sisters showed us the Gospel in action. Their classrooms were full of laughter, learning, and love. Our students saw how education is not just about facts, but about restoring dignity and building hope. The Sisters’ faithfulness and presence reflected the charism of St Angela Merici and the heart of Catholic Social Teaching. Our girls spent two full days teaching and working in the classroom and I believe a new found respect for how tiring this is was felt. Our third day saw us visit the homes of four students in the local villages. Despite the difficult living conditions and lack of what we consider ‘essentials’ our girls witnessed homes filled with love and hope. Homes where families all work together to provide and homes where elderly grandparents are lovingly cared for. What our girls thought was poverty – were homes rich in spirit and left us questioning what treasures we spend time chasing. 

We also returned to the Community Kitchen—essentially the lunch room of the Mother of Peace Primary School—where local mothers are now employed and earn a stable income. Over the past two years, we have witnessed transformation: women who now have choices—about their work, their future and how they share their gifts with others. The Kitchen provides daily meals for students and nourishment for families at home, while also offering mothers the opportunity to support their children through an average monthly income of $100.

Our College’s support, especially through the Ursuline Cookbook project, has contributed meaningfully to this change. The cookbook provided vital resources, celebrated their culinary heritage and honoured their talents. The women were visibly delighted to see their faces and recipes featured—taking pride in a publication that now holds a special place in their school library. The sharing of recipes became a bridge of dignity and hope, where lives were nourished, stories uplifted, and solidarity deepened.

In Siem Reap, we spent time at the Metta Karuna Reflection Centre, a Jesuit-led space of interfaith dialogue, prayer, and learning. Here, our students were invited to see Cambodia through the eyes of the poor and reflect on the “cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.” The Centre’s mission of peace, justice, and ecological awareness deepened our understanding of global solidarity and Gospel action

What stays with me most is the quiet transformation I witnessed. Our students leaned into unfamiliar experiences and emerged more compassionate, more aware, and more open-hearted. They departed as 13 young women  – full of excitement and curiosity; they returned as a company of women; strong, courageous and ready to make a real difference to their community. Many commented that they expected to go and change the people they were visiting, what humbled them was how much change they experienced.

As we return to our own community, I carry their questions, their tears, and their joy with deep respect. This journey didn’t just change our perspective—it invited us to live the Gospel: to “act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8). In every home, classroom, and conversation, we were called to Serviam—not just as a motto, but as a mission.

I could not be prouder of our students and I am deeply grateful to Mrs Gaby Habashy, my Immersion partner, whose presence was a blessing throughout. A woman of profound faith and quiet strength, Gaby and I were humbled to walk this journey together—learning, praying, and witnessing with open hearts.

We also wish to thank Sister Veronica Rosier OP who was our Catholic Mission facilitator for her guidance, wisdom and deep faith. She sang, danced, laughed, and cried with our girls—always holding us close in prayer and love. Her presence was a living embodiment of grace and Gospel joy. For all your prayers and well wishes, I say thank you.

We look forward to offering this Immersion again in 2027 and if you are currently in Yr 8 or 9 – this is an amazing opportunity to develop your lived understanding of Serviam. 

Antoinette Nader
Coordinator of Service and Outreach